While the discussions around millennials (those born approximately between 1982 and 2000) and some communication challenges have been ongoing, recent conversations in the local space shows that the challenges continue. This again brings to the fore the need to highlight how best to communicate with “the millennials”. Indeed a Jamaica Gleaner article dated November 5, 2017 opined:

At the same time, even Generation X, which just preceded the Millennials, seem to bristle in interactions with them. One common theme is that the liberal philosophy, brashness and sense of entitlement that is often exhibited by Millennials, flies in the face of the discipline, patience and struggle that is integral to the lives of those who have gone before. It smacks of disrespect and/or ignorance.

– Trevor E. Smith, Jamaica Gleaner

While the article goes on to highlight some of the ways in which millennials and other generations may be better able to move beyond their differences, I found Grossman’s piece on communication with the next “Next generation” to be compelling as it indicates that millennials too feel misunderstood. Indeed I hinted at this when I spoke about the flexibility required by modern communicators.

Given the clear difference of opinions and what may constitute a productivity divide, the info graphic below summarizes typical millennial characteristics which can foster better communication with them/ me/ us 🙂

Having assessed some of the challenges expressed by those who work with millennials and the characteristics of these millennials, it brings to the fore yet another issue that can easily be addressed via communication. Not communication in a very technical sense but the art of interacting with each other, providing channels for feedback and arriving at sustainable solutions. So the next time you are tempted to gasp “ughhh those millenials” or “Omg, no one understands us millenials”, your easiest solution may be to start off with a conversation. This should be done in an effort to get a better understanding of each other and the expectations in a productive space. Again, we already know the power of communication towards engagement and collaboration and now we are equipped with characteristics, so let’s make it a priority even in our immediate space. Importantly too, it benefits all to remember that the ‘top down’ approach to communication doesn’t work! Engagement does!

Are you a millennial? What are some of the communication challenges you face within the productive space? Share these in the comments below. Do you interact with millennials, what are some of your major issues? Need communication guidelines? Let me help you create that story!

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============================================================================Shanoy Coombs is a Development Communication Consultant in the Latin America and Caribbean region. Are you Social? Connect with Shanoy on twitter via @InspiraShan and learn more about her work via the projects page